Is it permissible to use the housing allowance allocated to an employee to help orphans, by renting a symbolic dwelling from a friend and then renting another, less expensive dwelling, and using the difference to meet the needs of orphans?

It is not permissible to deceive the company by making it appear as if you have rented accommodation if that is not the case. However, if the company is committed to providing you with accommodation of specific characteristics, whether you need it or not, and does not object to it being rented to others, then it is permissible for you to rent accommodation and then rent it out to others, and spend its value on the affairs of your needy brethren.